In order to provide clarity, the Board is offering the following additional information for the continuing education option related to public service. The item, listed under 16.30.3.11 (h) states:
"up to four (4) contact hours in service to the public that is directly related to the practice of architecture in the area of public protection, also known as health, safety and welfare."

The Board is defining this provision as:
committees or boards commissioned by a public governing authority or working on behalf of a non-profit entity whose purpose is to define or regulate professional practice in the field of architecture.

The Board will require a letter of explanation or appointment from the entity defining the registrant's role in order for a registrant to obtain these contact hours.

Continuing education requirements in order to maintain a registration in New Mexico have been in effect since 2000. As a refresher, here are answers to the most often asked questions:

• What is the time frame in which I have to accumulate my credit hours, and how do I keep track of what I've done?
• You have had a two-year period to acquire your credit hours, beginning on January 1, 2008 and ending on December 31, 2009. You received a reporting form for 2008-09 with your registration. The form was also included in the renewal packet mailed to you. The form is also available on the website.
• If I have an AIA transcript, do I need to rewrite everything on the continuing education form?
• If you have an AIA transcript, attach a copy of it to the NM continuing education form and write "See Attached" on the NM form. Remember, you must sign the affidavit on the NM form.
• What is a contact hour, and how many do I need to accumulate?
• A contact hour is 50 minutes of contact, which may be acquired through a wide variety of activities. The activities are listed under Rule 16 NMAC 30.3.11.B.(2). You need to accumulate 24 contact hours in a 24 month renewal period. All 24 contact hours must be related to public protection subjects, safeguarding life, health, property and promoting public welfare.
• Does the board pre-approve courses?
• Neither the Board nor the staff pre-approves courses. The activities listed under Rule 16 NMAC 30.3.1.1.2 provide a guide for you to determine if the specific activity you are considering qualifies.
• I live in a remote area and would find it burdensome to have to travel to larger cities to obtain college or seminar credits. Is there another way for me to acquire my contact hours?
• There are many options available through distance learning for those who do not have access to in-person contact. Self-study courses offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and the American Institute of Architects are examples of this option.
• Do I submit all my records and documentation of the activities I completed when I renew my license in the fall of 2009?
• No! The only thing you turn in with your license renewal is the continuing education form. The Board will be conducting a random audit of registrants regarding continuing education. If you are audited you will be required to submit proof of completion of the activities you listed on your form. So you do need to keep all receipts and proof of attendance in the event you are audited.
• Can I submit the renewal form and check if I haven't completed all my continuing education hours?
• No! Your renewal will be processed ONLY if you have submitted the continuing education form and have recorded the required number of hours. Remember,all fees are non-refundable and late renewals mean late fees.
• Are exemptions granted?
• Exemptions are listed under 16.30.3.11 B (8) NMAC
• Does the Board consider hardship cases?
• Under 16.30.3.11 B (10) NMAC, the Board can consider a hardship case. During the last renewal cycle, the board considered a few medical hardship cases. These registrants were asked to provide a letter of explanation and a letter from the physician.

*** Please remember, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with the entire rule pertaining to continuing education. Rule 16 NMAC 30.3.11.B(2) provides definitions of the accepted activities, records and record keeping, and all other facts relating to this requirement, including the results of non-compliance.

"Architect Emeritus " is a category established by board rule for those who have retired from the practice of architecture, are 60 years of age or older, and have had ten years of continuous practice, five of which have been as a registered architect in New Mexico. Architects Emeritus are exempt from continuing education requirements.

By rule, 16.30.3.11 (2) (b) NMAC, “Health, safety and welfare in architecture” is anything that relates to the structure or soundness of a building or site or its role in promoting the health, safety or well being of its occupants.

At its February 2, 2001 Board meeting, the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects voted to allow the AIA definitions for Health, Safety, & Welfare to serve as examples to clarify appropriate subject matter in the determination of the Board's continuing education health, safety, and welfare requirements.

Health, Safety, and Welfare in architecture is anything that relates to the structure or soundness of a building or site.

Examples:

1. Health: Aspects of architecture that have salutary effects among users of buildings or sites and address environmental issues. Examples would be appropriate air temperature, humidity, and quality; adequate provisions for personal hygiene; and nontoxic materials or finishes.
2. Safety: Aspects of architecture intended to limit or prevent accidental injury or death among users of buildings or sites. Examples would be the provision of fire-rated egress enclosures, automatic sprinkler systems, and stairs with correct rise-to-run proportions.
3. Welfare: Aspects of architecture that engender positive emotional responses among, or enable equal access by, users of building or sites. Examples would be spaces whose scale, proportions, materials, and color are pleasing for the intended use; spaces that afford natural light and views of nature; and provisions for users with disabilities.

The NMBEA web site features a continuing education course on the Architectural Act and Board rules and regulations. The course consists of 5 scenarios. Each scenario is worth 1 contact hour as a health,safety, and welfare subject. A few points to keep in mind: please be patient with download times; make sure all the correct answers show before you click the button for a verification page, and print out the verification page for your continuing education records. To reach the course, click on it from the list on the left side of your screen.